BY DR.HUMAIRA GILANI
Before the psoriasis is defined, it is important to know two things of the human body. (1) Skin! Our body from head to toe is covered by the largest organ, very similar to most of the other mammals known as skin. Like other organs of the body, skin too has specific tasks to perform, i.e. it acts as a protective barrier against any injury that may take place by any reason. It also prevents loss of moisture. Skin provides a complete shield against harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Acts as a sensory part that makes one feel touch, a bite etc, besides detects body temperature, and regulates it too. Additionally, it is an immune organ to detect all types of infections.
The skin is divided into several layers, which help maintains its structure, and remains in good shape and acts as a physical and biological barrier to the external environment, besides preventing the loss of water and maintains internal homeostasis, that’s stability for survival.
NEXT COMES IMMUNITY.
IMMUNITY, broadly means the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin that if not well protected will make a person sick or ill. So good immunity is formidable defence for any invading infection, and acts as a barrier for different ailments.
WHAT’S IS PSORIASIS?
It is an auto immune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells, in shape of scaling, on the surface, and may appear on hands, scalp, feet, arms, knees, etc.
WHAT IS AUTO IMMUNE DISEASE?
A disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cell’s. So it’s important for every one of us to strengthen our immune system by adopting very simple and easy things i.e. consuming green leafy vegetables, balanced diet, avoiding sugars in any form and junk food, exercising, staying hydrated, besides getting plenty of sleep.
CAN PSORIASIS BE HEREDITARY?
Yes if any of the family member is with psoriasis, chances of one getting it is 10 percent, if both parents have psoriasis, the off spring has a risk of 50 percent.so it’s very important for parents with psoriasis to watch and monitor the condition of their children so that early measures can be taken to help control the flare.
TYPES OF PSORIASIS.
Psoriasis has several types, plaque psoriasis, pustular, erthrodermic, nail psoriasis, prostatic arthritis. It is to be borne in mind, each one of them come with different symptoms.
GUTTATE PSORIASIS:
This type is uncommon, and can appear on one’s skin as red,scaly, teardrop spot.it can be both mild or severe, at time’s moderate. This type of psoriasis is an outcome of bacterial infection known as streptococcus. In such cases patients throat is infected with this.
Pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, erthrodermic psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, Nail psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis are other types that often affects most of the body surface like scalp, nails, joint’s, etc.
IT is important for medicos treating psoriasis to diagnose it properly as many skin conditions can mimic it.so for all these patients if the treatment is not working they must ask for a second opinion. Even should go for further diagnostic tests. A skin biopsy may be needed for confirmation.
RISK OF NOT TREATING THE DISEASE.
Untreated psoriasis, may build up. Plaques can spread, making it painful for the patient. Itching may be severe in some patients, resulting in bruises, and may get infected.
TREATMENT.
Psoriasis patients should know that there is no cure for the psoriasis like blood pressure, diabetes etc. But the disease can be well checked with treatment and life style changes.
Before concluding may I add that all psoriasis patients should follow these guidelines :
Keep your body clean. Have Daily baths.
Keep your body moist by using a moisturizer.
Cover the psoriasis part’s.
Have a sun bath once a while
Use medicated ointments on the affected parts.
Avoid alcohol.
Lesson mutton intake.
Use medicated soap.
Consult a doctor, if need be.
Natural and safe ayurvedic medicines are available with no side effects, for treating psoriasis.
The writer is an ISM practising Doctor from Srinagar and treats psoriasis patients, can be contacted on cell number 7006650276 / 97 96 142179
